I rounded the corner and was in the midst of the action. Customers were crowding the bar. It must be close to show time. I sent Valdez to the break room and concentrated. Must get the money right. Dodge hands and smile at the men who wanted a drink. Word had gotten around Vegas about the beautiful topless women and there was a good crowd to see them dance, if you could call it that. By the time the second show was over, I’d sobered up and had seen enough.
“Who choreographs those dances, Manny?” He was counting out picture money to the last of the girls when I got to the dressing room. Even after only getting half, it was a profitable venture.
“I do. Why?” He handed me my take for the night.
“They aren’t dances, they’re just walks around the stage with a few shimmies and shakes. It’s kind of sad, really. You need to hire someone to make it more interesting. Try some better music.” I could see Valdez grinning at me. “I heard some customers complaining.”
“What do you know about it?” Manny looked me over. “You would never be hired to dance on the strip in Vegas. Too short.”
“You’re right. But I did some dance work a few years back in California.” I didn’t tell him it had been during the Gold Rush days in a saloon. “What if I came up with a number for the girls to try? Would you let them do it? If you liked it?”
“When are you going to do this? Dom says you can’t work during the day. Some kind of sunlight allergy. That’s when we practice the dances.” Manny shrugged. “But I sure as hell don’t know what I’m doing. If Dom could get a license, I’d say turn this joint into a casino. But he says there’s problems with that. I had to throw together this dance thing myself.” He peered into the showroom when there was a noise. “Hey, take it over if you want. Tomorrow night, right after dark. Show up with new music and some steps for the ladies. But they have to be topless. We just paid for that sign.”
“Can they strip?” I had an idea in the back of my mind.
“A little, but no pole dancing. When I hired the girls, I promised I wasn’t going to make them strip. We want classy. It’s a tit show. That’s all.” Manny turned to look at Valdez who had snorted. “Did that dog just laugh?”
“No, he has allergies too. All this powder in here gives him fits.” I headed to my locker and got my clothes. “Tomorrow night. As soon after dark as I can make it. Tell the ladies not to put on their headdresses for a change. This place isn’t that large. No need for them.”
Manny scratched his head. “You’re right about that. But the big places on the Strip have them, so I thought…”
“They are classy, but a hassle when you’re mixing with the customers. Look at what happened with Donna and the candle.”
“Right. But they cost a lot.” Manny frowned.
“We’ll still use the feathers, trust me.” I smiled as I put on my tennis shoes. I would have to wear my costume home again. I’d missed Mae and now would have two costumes at home. I had to get better organized. I’d rinse them out before dawn.
“See you tomorrow night.” I grabbed Valdez’s leash and we left the club.
“A classy tit show.” Valdez chortled as he waited for me to unlock the car. “How are you going to fix that?”
“Beats me. But anything should be better than what they’ve been doing.” I walked around and got behind the wheel. Then I stuck my key in the ignition. One groan and then nothing. I hit the steering wheel. Not now!
“Need a ride?” The owner of the Jaguar next to me leaned down and stared at me through the open car window.
“Afraid so. The car is dead.” I opened the door. “Can my dog come too?”
“Sure, I love Valdez.” Donna unlocked her car and gestured for us to get in. “Careful, the seats are hot.”
“Thanks, Donna.” I pulled the passenger seat forward so Valdez could hop into the back. He gave me a look.
“This is not a good idea.”
“Why not?” I glanced at Donna. She had started the car and was working with the air conditioner.
“You don’t know her. I do.” Valdez still hadn’t hopped in. “She has dangerous friends.”
“It’s just a ride. And, besides, how do you know?”
“She cried on my shoulder when her boyfriend hit her. I see that asshole, I’m liable to get thrown in dog jail again.” Valdez showed his teeth.
“Donna, can you take us straight home? I’ve got to feed Valdez.” I shoved him into the car then smiled at her. “I really appreciate this. I’ll get a new battery tomorrow night.” I wanted to scream. When would that be? Before I choreographed a new dance routine? Gods.
“I fed him a roast beef sandwich from the bar between dances, Glory. He’ll be fine. I hate to do this to you, but I’ve got to check in with Lee first. He’s very concerned about me. If I’m late…” She shrugged. “Well, I don’t want him to worry. Let me stop by the apartment first, check in, then I’ll take you home. Okay?”
“Lee sounds like a controlling bastard.” But I just smiled. “Okay.”
“Hold me back, Glory.” Valdez made another noise from the back seat.
“I’ll try. Or not.”
6
D onna’s apartment was a luxury suite in a hotel on the Strip. A valet took her car and she insisted we come inside with her to meet Lee.
“Not a good idea, Donna. Look at me. I still have on my waitress costume. And there’s the dog. Can I just walk him through the lobby?” I was embarrassed to be seen in the skimpy outfit until I saw one of the cocktail waitresses by the pool who wore a thong and bikini top that made mine seem conservative.
“Lee wants to meet my friends. I told him about Valdez. He might let me have my own dog if he sees how sweet Valdez is. How well-behaved.” Her eyes shimmered with tears. “I’d just love to have a little dog of my own, Gloria. You are so lucky to have this one.” She reached over to tug Valdez’s ear. “People bring their dogs to this hotel. It won’t be a big deal as long as he's on his leash.”
Now what could I say to that? I trudged behind her through the crowded lobby and casino to the elevator that took us up to her apartment. I found out as we went to the twenty-second floor, that it was really Lee’s place. Donna felt lucky to have such a generous boyfriend. Lucky? To be with a controlling guy who slapped her around and wouldn’t even let her have a freaking dog? I felt my anger rise with that elevator. I couldn’t wait to meet this man.
I made myself cool down when she threw open the door and smiled excitedly. “Lee! We’ve got company. Look!” She took Valdez’s leash from me. “Gloria, that new hire at the club I told you about, is here with her dog. She had car trouble. I gave her a ride.”
“And you brought her here?” The man who stood and looked me over was tall, handsome and had a hard edge I recognized.
This was someone powerful. He had two bodyguards who’d stepped away from the windows to cover him, their hands inside their suit coats in case I made a move. Was I imagining all this? I glanced at Valdez.
“Here’s one of your high rollers, Glory.” He wagged a friendly tail. “We’ve got to get Donna away from this dude. I smell dirty money.”
“I smell an expensive cologne. I hate men who wear too much.” I pasted on a smile. “Donna did me a huge favor. I could have tried to catch a cab, but she insisted on giving us a lift. Cabbies don’t like taking the dog along.” I stuck out a hand. “Gloria Simpson.”
I got a thorough inspection and a raised eyebrow. It didn’t take a mind reader to see that this man liked the package but I didn’t get a creepy vibe from him. His smile was for Donna.
“Lee Campanella.” He took my hand, holding it the way he’d pick up a wet washcloth. He dropped it immediately and frowned at the dog who stood between me and Donna. “I told you a dog is a stupid idea.”
“Come on, baby, look at this sweet face. Isn’t he well-behaved?” Donna leaned down to kiss Valdez on top of his head.
“You know I’ll do anything for you, baby, but get real. You can’t have a dog in a
high-rise. Where is he gonna shit, stuff like that? You have to walk one all the time.” Lee nodded and the bodyguards retired to their positions by the windows. He pulled Donna into his arms. “After work you come in tired and sleep like the dead. Dave or Mike would end up with dog duty.” He glanced at the guys by the window. “How’s that fair to them?”
Donna rubbed Lee’s chest. “They might like getting out of the apartment for some fresh air for a change.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed him. “Don’t be mean.” She started whispering in his ear, promises that I really didn’t want to hear but my vampire hearing made impossible to ignore. Manipulation. Hmm. Donna could give lessons.
I could see the view of the city was spectacular. The whole apartment was spacious and decorated like a movie set. Large couches, a bar against one wall, and a big tv were the highlights. Donna had it good. I had to wonder what Lee did that required bodyguards and paid well enough that they lived like this.
“I know it would be complicated, but it would be my problem. Something to keep me company when you’re busy.” Donna wasn’t letting this go. “It would make me happy, baby.”
I cleared my throat. When I glanced at the window and saw through the open drapes that the sky was lightening, I almost panicked.
“Hey, Donna, not to interrupt or anything, but I’ve got to go. Get this guy home. He does need to be fed again and I need my beauty sleep. Ha ha.” I headed for the door. “I saw a cab line in front of the hotel. Odds are, one of them should take us. Nice meeting you, Lee.”
“Hold it.” Lee eased Donna away from him. “We’ll take you home. Mike, call down for the limo. I’ve been cooped up here all night. I need some fresh air.” He looked at Valdez. “You said you wanted a little dog, baby, a ball of fluff.”
“I do. I just wanted to show you how even a big dog, like Valdez, could behave in the apartment.” Donna squealed and threw her arms around him again. “You’re going to do it? You’re going to let me have a dog?”
“Maybe. Nothing yappy. I like the way this one has been quiet. I can’t stand no yappy dog. You get me?” Lee shrugged into an expensive suit jacket. He looked sharp in a black suit that set off his dark hair and tan skin. For a mere mortal, he was quite a package himself. He took her hand. “You’d have to promise to stay out of the casinos first. Could you do that?”
Donna’s face fell. “You’re attaching strings?” She stepped back and jerked her hand from his. “Forget it.” She turned to me. “I go to the casino to relax. It’s what I like to do. I don’t even know if they’d let a dog in there. Come with me now and we’ll find out. You’ll see how much fun it is.”
“Baby, that’s not a good idea.” Lee shook his head behind her back.
I didn’t imagine the sudden tension between them. “Thanks, Lee. For offering the ride. Seriously, I’m sure one of the cabs out front will take us.” I saw Donna’s eyes had filled with tears. “No casino for me, Donna, not tonight. I’m really tired. I’ll take a rain check. See you tomorrow at work.”
Valdez jerked to a stop next to Donna who had taken the leash again. One of Lee’s bodyguards was already in the hall, summoning the elevator, the other had followed us and was checking exits.
“What happened? Did that guy do something?” Valdez sat, making a rumbling noise in his throat.
“Relax. I’ll try to find out.” I smiled and stumbled, managing to plant one of my sneakers solidly on Lee’s shiny Gucci dress shoe.
“What the hell?” He stepped away from me.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. It must be obvious that I’m not a dancer, like Donna.”
“That’s okay. I’m glad she’s brought home a friend from work. Someone who isn’t eager to hang out in the casino. Maybe you two can hit the shopping mall some night. My treat.” He smiled at Donna who was reapplying her lipstick using the mirror next to the elevator, then he checked me out from head to toe. I was very aware of my skimpy outfit and fought the urge to pull down my shorts in back.
Lee nodded toward Donna who was saying something to one of the bodyguards. “My baby needs a decent girlfriend to run with. She said you’re Misty’s roommate. That one’s a beautiful piece but another one who spends too much time in the casinos.” He looked down at Valdez. “Hell, I’d buy Donna a six pack of pups if she’d stay away from blackjack.”
“Shut up, Lee. Obviously, Gloria doesn’t need to hear about your hang-ups. I like to play cards. What’s the big freakin’ deal?” Donna tugged on Valdez’s leash. “This dog won’t move for me. Don’t know why.”
“I won’t move until we’re away from here.” Valdez rumbled again. “Have you read this guy’s mind? He’s looking you over and wondering if you’d be up for a three-way.”
I choked as the elevator doors opened. “You guys go ahead. I’m serious, I’m definitely taking a cab. I’m going to have to walk the dog outside. This is what he does when he needs a potty break. It might take a while. He has to pick just the right spot.” I waved at Donna, who frowned.
“Then we should go back—” She hissed when Lee grabbed her elbow.
“We’re going for that ride and we’re going to have a talk. Now. Say good night to your friend.” He almost shoved her into the elevator.
“Go on. I’ll take the next elevator. You don’t want to smell what I’m smelling right now. Thanks again for the ride, Donna. See you tomorrow night.”
Donna lifted her free hand in a wave, her face stormy. Lee just stared straight ahead.
Once the elevator doors closed, I finally relaxed. But not really. Lee was a little crude but he clearly adored Donna. Still, there was something off about that relationship. When men carried guns and needed bodyguards? Well, that seemed like a warning sign to me. I glanced at the exit to the stairs, but wasn’t about to take them. My feet still ached from my shift at the club. I punched the down button and waited for the next elevator.
I won’t deny we got some looks from patrons as we headed through the lobby again. One woman asked if I was a professional dog walker. Apparently, my costume wasn’t so outrageous in a Vegas hotel/casino. When she offered me fifty bucks to take her “Snookums” for a walk, I was willing. Too bad it was for a walk at noon. I had to turn her down.
I couldn’t stop thinking about powerful Lee. Was he into something illegal? Did he carry a lot of cash? What would he do if Donna did decide to leave him? Would he care or just replace her with another “looker”? And what about Donna? Did she have resources? Savings? Or was she like me, living paycheck to paycheck? She was obviously used to a lavish lifestyle—the Jaguar, the apartment and beautiful clothes, when she wore them. She might think a little abuse was worth it to keep that life. And why was she so intent on getting to the casino?
I stopped dead when I got to the cab line. Why was I judging Donna? Hadn’t I set myself up in a similar situation back in the day when I’d met Jeremiah? He’d been rich and I’d been willing to be kept no matter how strange his lifestyle had seemed to me. Because I’d been desperate, starving, and I’d seen no other way to survive. Becoming a vampire had been an insane decision but it had seemed right at the time. I had been so in love… Maybe Donna was in love and she looked past the danger signals surrounding Lee.
I stuffed Valdez into a cab and we headed home. I had that sluggish, almost dead feeling that came over me when dawn was near. Frustrated that I had to spend some of my hard-earned cash on a cab ride, I staggered up the stairs, ready to fall into bed.
Unfortunately, there was a roadblock in my way. Misty and Sid sat on the couch, waiting for me.
“We need to talk.” Misty said those words that I swear had never led to anything I wanted to hear. Ever.
“It’ll have to be quick. I’m dead on my feet.” If she only knew how true that was. I sat across from them. Sid smiled, as if eager to see me kicked to the curb for harboring Cujo the man-eating dog. Was that what was coming? I had to put it off. I’d died in the back of the Suburban before, under a blanket. It didn’t bother me, but, in the hea
t of the summer, Good Samaritans wouldn’t stand for Valdez languishing away in the car all day, even with the windows down. I really didn’t like the idea either.
“Quick? Look at what that dog did to me!” Sid held out his bandaged arm. “Twenty-six stitches. You have any idea how much that visit to the emergency room cost me? And the pain! I have to pop a pain pill every four hours.”
Misty stayed silent, staring at Valdez like she was afraid of him. Thank the gods, my bodyguard sat quietly at my feet, just staring at Sid with a quiet intensity that made him fidget in his seat.
“Serves you right.” I wasn’t keeping quiet about this. “Why do you think Valdez attacked Sid, Misty? Your boyfriend was trying to get into my bedroom. Into my bed.” I glared at him. “Valdez is not a vicious dog.” I rested my hand on his head and he wagged his tail. “Has he ever even growled at you, Misty?”
“No, he hasn’t. That’s why I was surprised. . .” She turned and frowned at Sid.
“Tell her why, Sid. Why’d you come into my bedroom? Going to read me a bedtime story?” I couldn’t resist.
“It was a misunderstanding. I was just going to get a glass of water. Go to the bathroom.” Sid wouldn’t meet my eyes. Instead, he turned to Misty. “That dog came out of nowhere.”
“Look at me, Sid.” I jumped up and grabbed his face, hard. “The bathroom door is always open. There’s a nightlight in there. My room is at the end of the hall. There is no way you can get lost in this little apartment. My dog sits inside my room, in front of my door. He’s a guard dog. Want to know why?” I let Sid go, afraid I’d tear his head off if I didn’t back up a few feet.
“You told me when you moved here that you’d had some bad experiences. That the dog had kept you safe.” Misty looked at Sid. “What the hell, Sid? Didn’t I satisfy you?”
“Sure, you did, babe. You’re all I need. I told you. It was dark, I got turned around. The dog attacked me.” Sid reached for her hand, but she shook her head.
Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Page 5
